Noteworthy: GWU has won eight games in a row for first time since an 11-game streak in the 2005-06 season. Runnin’ Bulldogs are in tourney semifinals for first time as a Big South member, reached that point three times when it belonged to the Atlantic Sun, the last one a dash to the finals in 2008.

CONWAY, S.C. – The phrase describes the culture of the Gardner-Webb University men’s basketball team – ‘Impact the game!’

From the coaching staff to the players, they’ve bought in to it.

“Our coaches say that all the time,” said 6-6 GWU sophomore forward Donta Harper. “For me, whether I have eight points, but get 12 rebounds, then I’ve done something on the boards.

“It might also mean having five steals, three assists and no turnovers another game. It’s not about having 20-point nights, it’s about impacting the game for your team.”

That attitude’s important to GWU coach Chris Holtmann as his Runnin’ Bulldogs prepare for Liberty today in the league tournament semifinals.

“I spoke this summer to a small college coach who has won about five national championships in 10 years,” said Holtmann, “and he had a very unique equation about how his players impact the game. From free-throw attempts, blocks, steals, rebounds, turnovers-to-assists, they are graded on that.”

As a result, GWU players have to continue to develop their strengths while improving areas seen as weaknesses.

“We really do want to develop whole players,” said Holtmann, “and recruit people who can impact the game in different ways.”

The current Runnin’ Bulldogs have grown in that atmosphere, as their 21 wins and defensive prowess attest.

“They need to be tough and fight on both ends of the floor,” said Holtmann. “Our guys have bought into that.

“If you’re not getting it done on the defensive end, you’re not going to play. We don’t want super plays but consistency or you’re not going to play as much.”

Harper, primarily a scorer in high school, is a prime example of a GWU player who has grown within the system.

“You had to learn to play to your strengths,” said Harper, who had 12 points and eight boards in the first-round win over Campbell. “When you come from high school to college, sometimes you have to forget things the way you used to do them.

“It’s also physical, and you have to get used to that. What really helped me was Laron Buggs guarding me in practice last year and Tashan Newsome this year. I learned from that. Some guys get frustrated and give up, others start blaming people. On our team it’s about embracing your role and getting better.”